System and method for managing operator settings for a work machine

ABSTRACT

A work machine, such as a wheel loader, operating in a worksite within a wireless control system includes an operator-specific configuration of machine settings associated with an identification for the operator. As the work machine executes a work function, the operator identification, an initial operator-specific configuration, and sensed performance metrics are transmitted to a control system for the worksite. Linking the operator identification to one or both of the initial operator-specific configuration and the metrics, the control system analyzes performance of the work machine by the operator with increased granularity and flags potential irregularities. A modified operator-specific configuration to change operator performance is returned to the work machine and made to override the initial operator-specific configuration when the operator next takes control of the work machine.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present disclosure is a continuation of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 120, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/458,234 filedAug. 26, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for managingoperator settings for a work machine based on machine performancedetected by sensors. More specifically, the present disclosure relatesto a system and method for evaluating performance of a work machine whencontrolled by an operator and for modifying operator-specific settingsfor the work machine to alter usage by the operator based on theperformance.

BACKGROUND

Machines for performing heavy outdoor work, such as for construction,paving, or mining industries, include excavators, backhoes, dozers,loaders, and the like. Typically large and complex, these machines maybe shared among several users at a job site. For instance, differentoperators may need to control the machine during a work shift forperforming specialized tasks required by the job site. Or differentoperators may take control of the machine as personnel changes betweenwork shifts.

These large machines often have many settings that an operator canselect before or during a work activity. Example settings range fromoperator comforts, such as a position for a seat or a temperature in theoperator cabin, to modes of operation for the machine, such asactivating an “Eco” mode or a differential lock. The modes of operationset by an operator can change the behavior and functionality of themachine, which can impact machine performance. For instance, one mode ofoperation may affect fuel consumption, tire wear, or structuraldeterioration over time differently than another mode of operation.

Otherwise known as a configuration, a collection of settings for amachine chosen by an operator for the same work activity may differbetween users, whether due to personal preference or experience inoperating the equipment. Accordingly, as control of the work machineshifts from operator to operator over time, the settings for the machinewill also be changed. It is inefficient to require an operator to adjustall machine settings manually when assuming control of the machine froma previous operator.

One approach for accessing and adjusting operator-specificconfigurations for a work machine is described in U.S. Patent App. Pub.No. 2021/0061199 (“the '199 application”). The '199 applicationdescribes a work machine having an electronic controller that storesmachine parameters associated with respective machine operators. Thework machine receives signals from a user device, such as a cellularphone, that identify a new operator for the machine. In response, theelectronic controller logs the new operator into the machine, retrievesthe saved machine parameters corresponding to the new operator, and setsup the machine according to the retrieved machine parameters. The systemdescribed in the '199 application, however, does not consider the impactmachine parameters and their corresponding modes of operation have onmachine performance. Nor does the system of the '199 applicationevaluate the machine parameters chosen by the operator with respect tooperability of the work machine.

Examples of the present disclosure are directed to overcomingdeficiencies of such systems.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, byan electronic controller of a work machine, an operator identificationassociated with an operator of the work machine and receiving, by theelectronic controller, a configuration for the work machine specific tothe operator identification. The configuration includes one or moremachine settings for an operation of the work machine. The methodfurther includes executing the operation of the work machine using theone or more machine settings of the configuration based, at least inpart, on first electronic commands provided to components of the workmachine from the electronic controller. One or more sensors on the workmachine detect metrics relating to the performance of the work machineand at least the operator identification, the configuration, and themetrics are communicated over a network connection from the work machineto one or more servers. The machine then receives wirelessly theoperator identification and a modified configuration for the workmachine specific to the operator identification, where the modifiedconfiguration differs from the configuration due at least in part to themetrics. Finally, the operation of the work machine is executed usingone or more modified settings of the modified configuration based, atleast in part, on one or more second electronic commands provided to thecomponents of the work machine from the electronic controller.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system includes a workmachine and one or more servers coupled to the work machine through awireless network. The work machine has at least one or more sensors anda controller. The one or more sensors are configured to detectperformance characteristics of the work machine during a first instanceof a work activity executed by an operator, and the controller isconfigured to cause the performance characteristics and an initialoperator-specific configuration for the work machine to be transmittedacross the wireless network, where the initial operator-specificconfiguration are associated with an identification of the operator. Theone or more servers include one or more processors and one or morecomputer-readable media, where the one or more computer-readable mediastore computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause theone or more processors to perform operations. The operations includereceiving the performance characteristics and the initialoperator-specific configuration from the work machine, accessingbenchmark data associated with at least one of the performancecharacteristics and the initial operator-specific configuration, andgenerating a new operator-specific configuration for the work machinebased, at least in part, on the benchmark data. In addition, thecontroller of the work machine is further configured to override theinitial operator-specific configuration with the new operator-specificconfiguration for a second instance of the work activity executed by theoperator.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a machine has at leastan engine, a work tool, one or more sensors configured to detectperformance characteristics of the machine during execution of a workactivity, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller isconfigured to receive an operator identification associated with anoperator of the machine, receive initial settings for the machinespecific to the operator identification, cause a first execution of thework activity by the machine using the initial settings, and cause theoperator identification, the initial settings, and the performancecharacteristics to be sent to one or more servers over a networkconnection. The electronic controller is further configured to receivemodified settings for the machine specific to the operatoridentification, the modified settings differing from the initialsettings due at least in part to the performance characteristicsdetected by the one or more sensors, and to cause a second execution ofthe work activity using the modified settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system and worksite inaccordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an example work machine and potential operatorfrom FIG. 1 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting a method for managing operatorconfigurations in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to same or like parts. Referring to FIG. 1 , anexample system 100 may include one or more machines 102, 104, 105, 106,107 operating at a worksite 112 to perform various tasks. The term“machine” as used in this disclosure refers to any machine that performssome type of work operation associated with an industry, such as mining,construction, farming, landscaping, or transportation. For example,system 100 may include one or more digging machines 102, one or moreloading machines 104, one or more compacting machines 105, one or morehauling machines 106, one or more grading machines 107 and/or othertypes of machines used for construction, mining, paving, excavation,and/or other operations at worksite 112.

Machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 perform a variety of tasks well knownto those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, digging machine 102refers to any machine that reduces material at worksite 112 for thepurpose of subsequent operations (i.e., for blasting, loading, hauling,and/or other operations) and includes excavators, backhoes, dozers,drilling machines, trenchers, and drag lines, among other types ofdigging machines. Loading machine 104 refers to any machine that lifts,carries, loads, and/or removes material that has been reduced by one ormore of digging machines 102 and includes a wheeled or tracked loader, afront shovel, an excavator, a cable shovel, and a stack reclaimer, amongother types of loading machines 104. Hauling machine 106 refers to anymachine that carries the excavated materials between different locationswithin worksite 112 and includes an articulated truck, an off-highwaytruck, an on-highway dump truck, and a wheel tractor scraper, amongother types of hauling machines 106. Compacting machine 105 refers toany machine that is configured to apply stress on a work surface 110 ofworksite 112 and cause densification of soil thereon and/or obtains anacceptable surface finish. Grading machine 107 refers to any machinethat is configured to create a flat surface by grading material such assoil at worksite 112 for subsequent operations, for example, for acompacting operation and includes scrapers, bulldozers, motor graders orother similar machines commonly known in the art to create a flatsurface during operation.

As described herein, machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 may be operatedsemi- or fully-autonomously. The term “autonomous” is meant to beunderstood broadly as any operation which is either completely automaticor substantially automatic, that is, without significant humaninvolvement in the operation. An autonomous vehicle (e.g., the machines102, 104, 105, 106, 107) will generally be unmanned, that is without ahuman pilot or co-pilot. However, an autonomous vehicle may be driven orotherwise operated automatically and have one or more human passengers.Similarly, the term “semi-autonomous” is meant to be understood broadlyas any operation which is at least partially automatic and at leastpartially brought about by human involvement in the operation, that is,with at least some human involvement in the operation.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a controlsystem 120 and system controller 122 to control and/or coordinate datatransmission between various elements within system 100. In someexamples, control system 120 and/or system controller 122 are located ata command center (not shown) remote from worksite 112. In otherexamples, system controller 122 and/or one or more components of controlsystem 120 are located at the worksite 112. Regardless of the location,components of control system 120 are configured to facilitatecommunications between, to provide information to, and to receiveinformation from, digging machines 102, loading machines 104, haulingmachines 106, compacting machines 105, grading machines 107, and/orother machines of system 100. In any of the examples described herein,the functionality of system controller 122 may be distributed so thatcertain operations are performed at worksite 112 and other operationsare performed remotely such as, for example, at the remote commandcenter noted above.

System controller 122 is an electronic controller that operates in alogical fashion to perform operations such as execute controlalgorithms, store and retrieve data, and other similar operations.System controller 122 may additionally include any other componentsrequired for running an application including but not limited to accessmemory, secondary storage devices, processors, and the like. The memoryand secondary storage devices may be in the form of read-only memory(ROM), random access memory (RAM) or integrated circuitry that isaccessible by the controller. Various other circuits may be associatedwith system controller 122 including but not limited to power supplycircuitry, signal conditioning circuitry, driver circuitry, and othertypes of circuitry.

System controller 122 may be a single controller or may include morethan one controller. In examples where system controller 122 includesmore than one controller, system controller 122 includes additionalcontrollers associated with digging machines 102, loading machines 104,hauling machines 106, compacting machines 105, grading machines 107,and/or other machines of system 100 configured to control variousfunctions and/or features of system 100. As used herein, the term“controller” is meant in its broadest sense to include one or morecontrollers, processors, central processing units, and/ormicroprocessors that may be associated with the system 100, and that maycooperate in controlling various functions and operations of themachines included in the system 100. The functionality of systemcontroller 122 may be implemented in hardware and/or software withoutregard to the functionality. System controller 122 may rely on one ormore data maps, look-up tables, neural networks, algorithms, machinelearning algorithms, and/or other components relating to the operatingconditions and the operating environment of system 100 that may bestored in the memory of system controller 122. The data maps noted abovemay include a collection of data in the form of tables, graphs, and/orequations to maximize the performance and efficiency of system 100 andits operation.

The components of control system 120 may be in communication with and/orotherwise operably connected to any of the components of system 100 viaa network 124. The network 124 may be a local area network (“LAN”), alarger network such as a wide area network (“WAN”), or a collection ofnetworks, such as the Internet. Protocols for network communication,such as transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), may beused to implement network 124. Although examples are described herein asusing a network 124 such as the Internet, other distribution techniquesmay be implemented that transmit information via memory cards, flashmemory, or other portable memory devices.

It is also understood that digging machines 102, loading machines 104,hauling machines 106, compacting machine 105, grading machine 107,and/or other machines of the system 100 may include respectivecontrollers, and the respective controllers described herein (includingthe system controller 122) may be in communication and/or may otherwisebe operably connected via the network 124. For example, network 124 maycomprise a component of a wireless communication system of system 100,and as part of such a wireless communication system, digging machines102, loading machines 104, hauling machines 106, compacting machines105, grading machines 107, and/or other machines of the system 100 mayinclude respective communication devices 126. Such communication devices126 may be configured to permit wireless transmission of a plurality ofsignals, instructions, and/or information between system controller 122and respective controllers of digging machines 102, loading machines104, hauling machines 106, compacting machines 105, grading machines107, and/or other machines of system 100.

In some examples, communication devices 126 may also enablecommunication (e.g., via the central station 108 and over the network124) with one or more tablets, computers, cellular/wireless telephones,personal digital assistants, mobile devices, or other electronic devices128 located at worksite 112 and/or remote from worksite 112. Suchelectronic devices 128 may comprise, for example, mobile phones and/ortablets of project managers (e.g., foremen) overseeing operations atworksite 112 or at a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) location with respect toworksite 112. As used herein, the term “non-line-of-sight (NLOS)” ismeant to be understood broadly as any location with respect to worksite112 that is obstructed by a physical object such that electromagneticwaves cannot propagate between the location and worksite 112.

Network 124, communication devices 126, and/or other components of thewireless communication system may implement or utilize any system orprotocol including any of a plurality of communications standards. Theprotocols will permit communication between system controller 122, oneor more of communication devices 126, and/or any other machines orcomponents of system 100. Examples of wireless communications systems orprotocols that may be used by system 100 include a wireless personalarea network such as Bluetooth® (e.g., Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15), a local area network such as IEEE802.11b or 802.11g, a cellular network, or any other system or protocolfor data transfer. Other wireless communication systems andconfigurations are contemplated. In some instances, wirelesscommunications may be transmitted and received directly between controlsystem 120 and a machine of system 100 or between such machines. Inother instances, the communications may be automatically routed withoutthe need for re-transmission by remote personnel.

In example embodiments, one or more machines of system 100 (e.g.,digging machines 102, loading machines 104, hauling machines 106,compacting machines 105, grading machines 107, among other machines) mayinclude a location sensor 130 configured to determine a location, speed,heading, and/or orientation of the respective machine. In suchembodiments, communication device 126 of the respective machine may beconfigured to generate and/or transmit signals indicative of suchdetermined locations, speeds, headings, orientations, haul distances,and/or area covered, to, for example, system controller 122 and/or tothe other respective machines of system 100 as detected by locationsensor 130. In some examples, location sensors 130 of the respectivemachines may include and/or comprise a component of global navigationsatellite system (GNSS) or a global positioning system (GPS).Alternatively, universal total stations (UTS) may be utilized to locaterespective positions of the machines. In example embodiments, one ormore of location sensors 130 comprise a GPS receiver, transmitter,transceiver, laser prisms, and/or other such device, and the locationsensor 130 is in communication with one or more GPS satellites 132and/or UTS to determine a respective location of the machine to whichlocation sensor 130 is connected continuously, substantiallycontinuously, or at various time intervals. One or more additionalmachines of system 100 may also be in communication with the one or moreGPS satellites 132 and/or UTS, and such GPS satellites 132 and/or UTSmay also be configured to determine respective locations of suchadditional machines.

Machine data may be obtained by a number of sensors 134 coupled tomachines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, processed by machine controller 136 ofthe respective machine 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, and transmitted to othercomputing devices such as system controller 122, electronic devices 128,and/or other data processing devices within system 100. Although onesensor 134 is depicted in association with each of machines 102, 104,105, 106, 107, each machine may include a plurality of sensors 134 usedto detect a plurality of different environmental and other parametersassociated with machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107. The sensors 134 maydetect any parameter such as, for example, light, motion, temperature,magnetic fields, electrical fields, gravity, velocity, acceleration inany number of directions, humidity, moisture, vibration, pressure, andsound, among other parameters. Thus, sensors 134 may includeaccelerometers, thermometers, proximity sensors, electric filedproximity sensors, magnetometer, barometers, seismometer, pressuresensors, and acoustic sensors, among other types of sensors.Corresponding data associated with the type of sensor may be gathered.Thus, data obtained via the sensors may be transmitted to machinecontroller 136 of respective machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 forfurther transmission and/or processing. Examples of machine datagathered from sensors 134 include operator manipulation of the inputdevices, tool, or power source, machine velocity, machine location,fluid pressure, fluid flow rate, fluid temperature, fluid contaminationlevel, fluid viscosity, electric current level, electric voltage level,fluid (e.g., fuel, water, oil) consumption rates, payload level, payloadvalue, percent of maximum allowable payload limit, payload history,payload distribution, transmission output ratio, cycle time, idle time,grade, recently performed maintenance, or recently performed repair.

The machine data may be machine telematics data that includes, forexample, a location of the machines, utilization data that defines themanner, location, duration, and functions used by the machines,specifications of the machines, the health of the machines, the dataobtained from the sensors 134, and other telematics data. Telematics, asused herein, means the complete measuring, transmitting, and receivingof data defining a value of a quantity at a distance, by electricaltranslating means such as a wired or wireless communication networkincluding the network 124.

As an example, information may be received from sensors 134 onrespective machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 and/or site sensorsproximate to a user such as the operators of machines 102, 104, 105,106, 107 and/or personnel at worksite 112 where machines 102, 104, 105,106, 107 are operated. Sensors may include: a thermometer for measuringtemperature, anemometer for measuring wind speed, wind vane formeasuring wind direction, hygrometer for measuring humidity, barometerfor measuring atmospheric pressure, visual sensor for measuringvisibility/distance, rain gauge for measuring precipitation, soil/groundsensors for measuring soil moisture, ground condition sensors forcompaction, stability and moisture, gas sensors for measuring CO,methane, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, and lack of oxygen, and thelike. The central station 108 may analyze the data and transmitinformation on a communication channel defined herein.

The data transmitted to the central station 108 may include operatordata, machine identification data, performance data, worksite data, sitecondition data, diagnostic data, and other data, which may beautomatically monitored from onboard the machine and/or manuallyobserved and input by machine operators. The information remotelytransmitted back to machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 may includeelectronic terrain maps, machine configuration commands, instructions,recommendations and/or the like.

In one example, the telematics data includes machine-specific data, suchas identification data associated with a type of machine (e.g., digging,loading, hauling, etc.), a make and model of machine (e.g., Caterpillar797 OHT), a machine manufacture date or age, a usage ormaintenance/repair history, etc. The identification data for someexamples includes a unique identifier for each of the machines 102, 104,105, 106, 107 such as a license plate, a vehicle identification number(VIN), and a media access control (MAC) address associated with machinecontrollers 136 and/or communication devices 126 of the respectivemachines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, among other types of uniqueidentifiers. In one example, the unique identifier may be assigned to amachine 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 and stored in memory such as memoryassociated with system controller 122 and/or machine controller 136 ofrespective machine 102, 104, 105, 106, 107.

Operator-specific data may include an identification of a currentoperator, information about the current operator (e.g., a skill orexperience level, an authorization level, an amount of time loggedduring a current shift, a usage history, etc.), a history of pastoperators. Site-specific data may include a task currently beingperformed by the operator, a current location at worksite 112, alocation history, a material composition at a particular area ofworksite 112, a site-imposed speed limit, etc.

Performance data may include current and historic data associated withoperation of any machine at worksite 112. Performance data may include,for example, payload information, efficiency information, productivityinformation, fuel economy information, speed information, trafficinformation, weather information, road and/or surface conditioninformation, maneuvering information (e.g., braking, steering, wheelslip, etc.), downtime and repair or maintenance information, etc.

Diagnostic data may include recorded parameter information associatedwith specific components and/or systems of the machine. For example,diagnostic data may include engine temperatures, engine pressures,engine and/or ground speeds and acceleration, fluid characteristics(e.g., levels, contamination, viscosity, temperature, pressure, etc.),fuel consumption, engine emissions, braking conditions, transmissioncharacteristics (e.g., shifting, torques, and speed), air and/or exhaustpressures and temperatures, engine calibrations (e.g., injection and/orignition timings), wheel torque, rolling resistance, system voltage,etc. Some diagnostic data may be monitored directly, while other datamay be derived or calculated from the monitored parameters. Diagnosticdata may be used to determine performance data, if desired.

GPS satellites 132, UTS, and/or central station 108 may be used toreceive machine data from digging machines 102, loading machines 104,hauling machines 106, compacting machines 105, grading machines 107,and/or other machines of the system 100. Further, GPS satellites 132,UTS, and/or central station 108 may be used to transmit machine data tosystem controller 122 or other data processing device or system withinsystem 100.

Thus, as described herein, each of machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 mayreport production metrics of various types. In one example, systemcontroller 122, electronic devices 128, one or more of communicationdevices 126, and/or any other desired machines or components of thesystem 100 may continuously or periodically send requests to therespective communication devices 126 of machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107requesting data obtained from sensors 134. In another example, sensors134 may sense the environment, and that data may be continuously orperiodically transmitted to system controller 122, electronic devices128, one or more of the communication devices 126, and/or any otherdesired machines or components of system 100 via communication devices126 and/or machine controllers 136. In one example, sensors 134 maysense the environment, and that data may be stored in, for example, datastorage devices associated with communication devices 126, machinecontrollers 136, system controller 122, electronic devices 128, and/orany other desired machines or components of system 100.

Thus, as described above, each of machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 mayreport production metrics in the form of progress indicators (PIs) ofdifferent types. Truck loads delivered by the machines 102, 104, 105,106, 107 and/or a final grade (e.g., via grade control, manual survey,or drone flight) of worksite 112 may be measured to determine progressof the individual tasks within the worksite plan and the entire worksiteplan such as a mass excavation project that utilizes a plurality ofdifferent machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107. The PIs may be used toidentify underperforming machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 within theworksite plan as well as to allow supervisors, foremen, managers, crewmembers, and other individuals associated with the worksite plan to knowhow far along the worksite plan has progressed and how much of theworksite plan may be left to complete. The PIs may be presented on auser interface on, for example, the display devices of electronicdevices 128, a display device associated with system controller 122,and/or another display device associated the within system 100.

With the display of these production metrics, a user, such as thesupervisors, managers, crew members or other individuals associated withthe worksite plan, may understand each individual production metric asdefined by the PIs as it relates to the tasks and the overall worksiteplan. The data sensed by sensors 134 and transmitted from machines 102,104, 105, 106, 107 may be processed by, for example, system controller122 using on one or more data maps, look-up tables, neural networks,algorithms, machine learning algorithms, and/or other components topresent the data as PIs to the users.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , and as noted above, each ofmachines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, and/or other machines of the system100 includes a machine controller 136. Machine controller 136 comprisesa component of a local control system on-board and/or otherwise carriedby the respective machine 102, 104, 105, 106, 107. Machine controllers136 are any embedded system within the machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107that controls at least one of the electrical systems or subsystems inthe machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, and thus at least one function ofthe machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107. Such machine controllers 136 maybe generally similar or identical to system controller 122 of controlsystem 120. For example, each such machine controller 136 may compriseone or more processors, a memory, and/or other components describedherein with respect to system controller 122. The machine controllers136 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) such as, for example,an electronic control module (ECM), a powertrain control module (PCM), atransmission control module (TCM), a brake control module (EBCM), acentral control module (CCM), a central timing module (CTM), a generalelectronic module (GEM), a body control module (BCM), a suspensioncontrol module (SCM), and a control unit, among other types of ECUs. TheECUs may include hardware and embedded software that assist in theoperation of machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107.

In some examples, a machine controller 136 may be located on arespective one of machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, and may also includecomponents located remotely from the respective one of machines 102,104, 105, 106, 107, such as on any of the other machines of system 100or at the command center described herein (not shown). Thus, in someexamples the functionality of machine controller 136 may be distributedso that certain functions are performed on the respective one ofmachines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 and other functions are performedremotely. In some examples, machine controller 136 of the local controlsystem carried by a respective machine 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 mayenable autonomous and/or semi-autonomous control of the respectivemachine either alone or in combination with the control system 120.Further, machine controller 136 carried by a respective machine 102,104, 105, 106, 107 may instruct the respective communication devices 126and location sensors 130 to function as described herein and as directedby, for example, system controller 122.

In some implementations, machine controller 136 is also in directcommunication with the separate components and subsystems of therespective machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 to facilitate manual,autonomous, and/or remote monitoring and/or control. For example,machine controller 136 may be in communication with the power source ofrespective machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 to control fueling, thetransmission to control shifting, a steering mechanism to controlheading, a differential lock to control traction, a braking mechanism tocontrol deceleration, a tool actuator to control material dumping, andwith other components and/or subsystems. Based on direct commands from ahuman operator, remote commands from central station 108 or another oneof machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 at worksite 112, and/orself-direction, machine controller 136 can selectively adjust operationof the components and subsystems to accomplish a predetermined task.

In some examples, one or more machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107 of system100 include an implement or other work tool 140 that is coupled to aframe of the machine. For example, in the case of loading machine 104,work tool 140 is often a bucket configured to carry material within anopen volume or other substantially open space thereof. Loading machine104 includes one or more linkages 142 movably connected to a frame ofthe loading machine. Work tool 140 is connected to such linkages 142,and the linkages 142 are used to lower the work tool 140 (e.g., via oneor more hydraulic cylinders, electronic motors, or other devicesconnected thereto) to a loading position in which a leading edge 144 ofwork tool 140 is disposed proximate, adjacent, and/or at work surface110, and a base of work tool 140 is disposed substantially parallel towork surface 110. Like loading machines 104, digging machines 102,hauling machines 106, compacting machines 105, grading machine 107, mayalso include work tools 140 and/or linkages 142 that allow the machinesto perform their respective operations.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary work machine 200 as one example suitablefor carrying out the principles discussed in the present disclosure.Work machine 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as a close-up side view of oneof loading machines 104 in FIG. 1 , particularly a wheel loader. A wheelloader is representative for discussion purposes only, and work machine200 could be any type of machine that performs work on worksite 112,such as any of machines 102, 104, 105, 106, 107.

As generally embodied in FIG. 2 , work machine 200 includes, among othercomponents, a chassis 202 supported by traction devices 204 (e.g., fourwheels with tires), an engine compartment 206 mounted to chassis 202 ina rear section of work machine 200, and an engine 208 within enginecompartment 206 and operable to drive traction devices 204 and, thus, topropel work machine 200. Engine 208 is an internal combustion enginesuch as, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, anelectric-gas hybrid engine, or any other configuration of engineapparent to one skilled in the art. Engine 208 also powers other systemsof work machine 200, such as one or more hydraulic cylinders or othermechanisms configured to actuate a work tool 140 connected to the frontof work machine 200. Work tool 140 is shown as a bucket configured totransfer material, such as soil or debris. Of course, similar mechanicalstructures exist in other examples of work machine 200 other than awheel loader as shown in FIG. 1 . Other structural features of workmachine 200 are either discussed in relevant context below or excludedsolely for purposes of simplicity.

Work machine 200 also includes an operator cabin 212, which can be openor enclosed. Operator cabin 212 includes a seat, a steering system 214,and various controls and electronics for operating work machine 200.Steering system 214 can have a steering wheel, levers, and and/or othercontrols for steering or otherwise operating work machine 200 as ittraverses a path driven by traction devices 204. In such examples, thevarious components of steering system 214 are connected to one or moreactuators, a throttle of work machine 200, engine 208, and a brakingassembly (not shown). The steering system is thereby used by an operatorof work machine 200 to adjust a speed, travel direction, and/or otheraspects of work machine 200 during use.

In some examples, operator cabin 212 also includes a control interface,generally shown as control interface 216 on the dashboard of operatorcabin 212, for controlling various functions of work machine 200.Control interface 216 comprises one or more analog, digital, and/ortouchscreen displays and may further include a sound source, a lightsource, or a combination thereof. Control interface 216 may also supportother allied functions, including for example and as discussed infurther detail below, sharing various operating data with one or moreother machines operating in consonance with work machine 200, and/orwith a remote server or other electronic device. The controls andelectronics within operator cabin 212 may include one or more controldevices (not shown), such as joysticks, pedals, levers, user interfaces,buttons, switches, and other types of display and input devices tocontrol various operations associated with work machine 200, such ascontrolling work tool 140 and activating traction devices 204.

With reference to FIG. 1 , which depicts system 100 within worksite 112,and FIG. 2 , which shows a representative work machine 200, FIG. 3 is aflowchart of a sample method implemented using work machine 200consistent with implementations of the present disclosure. As generallysummarized in FIG. 3 , method 300 entails representative interactionsbetween at least work machine 200 and control system 120.

Method 300 begins with work machine 200 receiving an operatoridentification, such as operator identification 218 shown in FIG. 2 . Inan example, control interface 216 within operator cabin 212 includes oneor more input/output devices, such as a touchscreen or keypad withdisplay, for an operator to manually log into work machine 200.Typically, the operator, such as operator 220 in FIG. 2 , is associatedwith security credentials, such as an account name or identificationcode along with a passcode for being able to log in and operate workmachine 200. To securely obtain control of work machine 200, operator220 enters the codes into the one or more input/output devices afterwhich operator 220 is logged into work machine 200. Until operator 220logs out from work machine 200 or otherwise ceases the running of workmachine 200, the functioning of work machine 200 will be associated withthe account name or identification code that completed the loginprocess. Accordingly, in some examples, operator 220 may interact withcontrol interface 216 to input personal authentication information,including operator identification 218 into control interface 216 of workmachine 200.

After logging into work machine 200, an operator can also enter orreview parameters or settings via the one or more input/output devicesof control interface 216 for controlling operation of work machine 200.Collectively, the settings or parameters for operating work machine 200may be termed a “configuration.” Configurations for work machine 200 mayvary for different types of machines, work activities, and workenvironments. Examples of configurations include machine settings thatare designed into work machine 200 to optimize a particular activity orbehavior, such as operating in an “Eco” mode to minimize energy usage orin a traction control mode to enable a differential lock based on sensedwheel speeds to improve traction and save on tire wear.

Many other configurations are possible and may vary based on the type ofmachine. For example, cold planers and reclaimer mixers may have a loadcontrol configuration in which machine settings are made to controloperation of the machine based on an engine torque curve and rotorspeed, which is dependent on a load that material is applying to themachine. In another example, compactors have a vibration controlconfiguration, in which the response of material that is being compactedis sensed, and the difference between the energy the compactor isputting into the material and the response of the material is measuredto determine if fuel and time are being wasted. In yet other examples,work machine 200 has settings that sense and limit the number of timesthat hydraulic systems on the machine are pushed to their reliefpressure, i.e., where maximum force is being applied, which can helpavoid premature breakdowns. Further collections of settings orprearranged configurations for work machine 200 are contemplated and arewithin the knowledge and experimentation of those of ordinary skill inthe art.

Each operator may prefer a configuration for work machine 200 that coulddepend on the operator's experience with work machine 200 or the workactivity to be performed. At least to avoid the inefficiency of havingto enter a configuration repeatedly at each login to a machine, workmachine 200 in some examples stores in memory electronic data of aconfiguration previously entered by an operator. A configuration orcollection of machine settings associated with a particular operator maybe termed an “operator-specific” configuration or “operator-specific”settings, such as operator-specific configuration 219. To store aconfiguration as operator-specific data, work machine 200 associatesoperator-specific configuration 219 entered by an operator with theidentification code unique to that operator. Work machine 200 can thenaccess the stored operator-specific configuration 219 from memory thenext time the associated operator identification 218 is entered duringlogin, saving the operator the need to set up the machine with thepreferred configuration.

In some implementations, operator-specific configuration 219 is storedin machine controller 136 of work machine 200. Machine controller 136provides memory and computing power through a processor to executesoftware instructions for coordinating various electronic actions, whichmay be used to assist mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic activitieswithin work machine 200. For example, machine controller 136 can beconfigured to automatically retrieve saved settings for work machine 200for a particular operator (i.e., operator-specific configuration 219 foroperator identification 218) and automatically set work machine 200 tooperate in accordance with the saved parameters. The location forstoring electronic data representative of operator-specificconfiguration 219 is not material to the present disclosure, and optionsare within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

As generally illustrated for the implementation of FIG. 2 , an operator220 can also log into work machine 200 remotely through a wirelessconnection rather than manually via control interface 216. A wirelessoperator device 222, such as a cellular phone, laptop computer, tablet,or a keyfob, may establish a network connection with a controller, suchas machine controller 136, via communication device 126 on work machine200. The network connection can be through various types ofconnectivity, such as WiFi, GPS, RFID, near-field communications (NFC),etc., and generally is a peer-to-peer connection 224 such as Bluetooth.Alternatively, the network connection between operator device 222 andcommunication device 126 is not a peer-to-peer connection and can occur,for example, using GPS coordinates in conjunction with GPS satellite 132or using a cellular or other type of indirect communication betweenoperator device 222 and communication device 126.

With peer-to-peer connection 224, the network connection typically isestablished automatically based on proximity of operator device 222 towork machine 200. When operator device 222 comes within range, anapplication or other software within operator device 222 will connectwith communication device 126 within work machine 200 and automaticallyprovide authentication information associated with operator 220, e.g.,operator identification 218 and a passcode. For instance, range forBluetooth connectivity is generally about 10 meters, while NFC range isabout 4 centimeters, which would require operator device 222 to be heldclose to a detector on work machine 200. After peer-to-peer connection224 is established and authentication information is successfullyprovided electronically, operator 220 is logged into work machine 200.If an operator-specific configuration 219 corresponding to operatoridentification 218 is stored in work machine 200, that configuration isretrieved and work machine 200 is set up accordingly for operation.

In some situations, operator device 222 transmits settings for workmachine 200, such as its operator-specific configuration 219, across thenetwork connection such as peer-to-peer connection 224. For instance,when operator 220 has not operated work machine 200 before, work machine200 will not have a configuration stored for operator 220. Rather thanhave operator 220 load the operator-specific configuration 219 manually,operator device 222 can provide the configuration with the operatoridentification remotely. Similarly, if operator 220 has operated workmachine 200 before but wishes to set up the machine with a differentconfiguration than what is stored in work machine 200, operator device222 can provide the different configuration via peer-to-peer connection224.

After receiving operator identification 218 and operator-specificconfiguration 219 from operator 220 at work machine 200, method 300 ofFIG. 3 continues with the execution of an operation of work machine 200using the one or more machine settings of operator-specificconfiguration 219. As shown at 304, work machine 200, and in particularmachine controller 136, executes an operation of work machine 200 usingmachine settings of the operator-specific configuration 219. One exampleof operator-specific configuration 219 may be Eco-mode for the engine208. With operator-specific configuration 219 corresponding to Eco-mode,work machine 200 will set various operational conditions for engine 208and operator cabin 212 to conserve fuel. These may include operatingengine 208 at lower revolutions per minute, inhibiting a rate ofacceleration for engine 208, decreasing a rate of change for climatecontrol within operator cabin 212, and other settings. Machinecontroller 136 will initiate appropriate electronic signals tosubsystems and components within engine 208 and elsewhere in workmachine 200 so that work machine 200 expends less energy and uses lessfuel than normal. Another example may be activation of a differentiallock to assist with traction and steering. These various modes ofoperation will be read from the operator-specific configuration 219 andexecuted by work machine 200 during operation of a work activity foroperator 220 within worksite 112.

During operation of this work activity by work machine 200, sensors 134will detect operational conditions and collect performance metrics forwork machine 200, in a manner described above. Specifically, sensors 134throughout work machine 200 will collect data relating to operation ofthe machine, such as information about speed, maneuvering, and enginediagnostics. Relevant to the Eco-mode of operation, for example, sensors134 in some implementations will detect data relating to fuelconsumption, temperature within operator cabin 212, accelerationbehavior of engine 208, and similar characteristics. Work machine 200can collect many other types of telematics data, as described above andwithin the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art.

In a subsequent step 308, work machine 200 communicates at leastoperator identification 218, operator-specific configuration 219, andthe sensed data as performance metrics (or telematics data) to controlsystem 120 via network 124 in a manner discussed above. In someexamples, control system 120 and system controller stores the receivedinformation and possibly evaluates the metrics for performanceirregularities. In certain aspects, the received data may be analyzedbased on customized rules for a particular user, site, organization, orscenario. As discussed above, system controller 122 may comprise one ormore servers having one or more processors and one or morecomputer-readable media. The computer-readable media store computerexecutable instructions as software that, when executed, cause the oneor more processors to perform various operations related to evaluatingthe metrics for performance irregularities.

After or while receiving the telematics data associated with operatoridentification 218, system controller 122 analyzes the data. In someexamples, the analysis occurs by looking for performance metricsspecific to operator 220 as informed by operator-specific configuration219. While a machine can exhibit mechanical, electrical, and/orhydraulic issues characteristic of that machine, the functioning of themachine may also be directly impacted by the choices and behaviorsexhibited by the operator when the performance metrics were generated.Thus, although telematics data received by system controller 122 forwork machine 200 may generally provide a basis for evaluating workmachine 200 together with other machines of a fleet at a machine level,associating the performance metrics to operator identification 218 andoperator-specific configuration 219 provides a basis for analyzing themetrics at an operator level.

Analysis of the performance metrics, as associated at least withoperator identification 218, can identify any performance irregularitiesof work machine 200 while the machine was controlled by operator 220.For the purposes of this disclosure, a performance irregularity can bedefined as a non-failure deviation from a historical, expected, ordesired machine or worksite performance (e.g., productivity, efficiency,emission, traffic congestion, or similar related performance) that ismonitored, calculated, or otherwise received by system 100.

In one aspect, an amount of deviation required to qualify as anirregularity is set by a supervisor, a business owner, or other entitywith responsibility for work machine 200. This entity interacts withdata collected from work machine 200 by system controller 122 via one ormore electronic devices 128. One of the electronic devices 128 could betermed a supervisory computer. The supervisory computer provides aninterface for the supervisor or business owner to input parameters fordetermining a baseline or benchmark against which an operator's usage ofa machine is judged. For instance, via electronic device 128, an ownercould indicate that operator 220 should not exceed a particular amountof fuel consumption per unit time or for a particular work activity.System controller 122 may then analyze the performance metrics personalto operator 220, keyed to operator identification 218 andoperator-specific configuration 219, to determine whether operator 220has complied with the baseline or benchmark set by the owner.

In some examples, system controller 122 generates results from theanalysis, which can include a productivity analysis, an economicanalysis (e.g., efficiency, fuel economy, operational cost, etc.), acycle time analysis, an environmental analysis (e.g., engine emissions,road conditions, site conditions, etc.), or other analysis specific towork machine 200, each category of machines within worksite 112 (i.e.,for digging machines 102, loading machines 104, compacting machines 105,hauling machines 106, or grading machines 107), each co-located machine,and/or for the worksite 112 as a whole. In one aspect, results of theanalysis may be indexed according to time, for example, according to aparticular work shift, a particular 24-hour period, or another suitableparameter (e.g., time period, liters of fuel, cost, etc.).

In some options, electronic device 128 presents results of the dataanalysis to the owner or other entity, such as through a display on thesupervisory computer, i.e., electronic device 128. The results of theanalysis may be in the form of detailed reports or they may besummarized as a visual representation such as, for example, with aninteractive graph. The results may be used to show a historicalperformance, a current performance, and/or an anticipated performance ofoperator 220. Accordingly, method 300 enables an owner or fleet managerto view performance and other analytical results by operator (whencollecting data from operator 220 and other operators working with thefleet) as well as by machine, if desired. Alternatively or additionally,the results could be used to predict a progression of operations atworksite 112 and to estimate a time before the productivity, efficiency,or other performance measure of operator 220 becomes irregular (i.e.,exceeds or falls below a desired or expected limit). As an example, theresults of the analysis may indicate when a performance irregularity hasoccurred, is currently occurring, or anticipated to occur in the future.In some options, system controller 122, via electronic device 128, mayprovide a flag or notify the owner either at the time the irregularityoccurs or during the analysis stage when the irregularity is firstdetected and/or anticipated.

Identification of an actual or potential performance irregularityspecific to usage of work machine 200 by an operator can arise fromanalyzing various types of data received from work machine 200. In someexamples, a performance irregularity is identified by evaluating thereceived telematics in conjunction with operator identification 218.Here, system controller 122 may determine from the received telematicsthat operator device 222 is operating outside of a baseline or benchmarkof performance while operator 220 is in control of the machine. Forinstance, system controller 122 may conclude that operator 220 isoperating work machine 200 at a speed, load capacity, duration, or otherparameter inconsistent with values identified by system controller 122as desired, regardless of the particular machine settings withinoperator-specific configuration 219. This information from thetelematics may indicate that operator 220 is controlling work machine200 in a manner that may lead to premature degradation or break down ofwork machine 200 or increased risk to operator 220 or other personnel atworksite 112.

In other situations, a performance irregularity can be identifiedthrough analysis of only operator identification 218 andoperator-specific configuration 219. That is, system controller 122 canevaluate operator-specific configuration 219 and identify deviations ofmachine settings used by operator 220 beyond those suitable for thebaseline or benchmark performance of work machine 200. For example, ifthe owner or supervisor expects that operator 220 will operate workmachine 200 in Eco-mode but the received operator-specific configuration219 for operator identification 218 indicates that operator 220 is notoperating in Eco-mode, work machine 200 and operator 220 may be flaggedas a performance irregularity. Actual performance metrics received fromcommunication device 126 on work machine 200 may not be needed to reachthis conclusion. In yet other situations, actual or potentialperformance irregularities tied to operator 220 may be identified byevaluating together all of operator identification 218,operator-specific configuration 219, and the telematics received fromwork machine 200.

If analysis by system controller 122 or reports provided to the ownerthrough electronic device 128 indicate an actual or potentialperformance irregularity by operator 220, corrective action can betaken. The feedback from operator-specific data can provide an owner orfleet manager with a more granular look at performance for the fleetbeyond the equipment itself. In some examples, the owner can communicatethe need for changed behavior to operator 220 or can initiate coachingto better educate operator 220 on the preferred method of operating workmachine 200. For instance, having operator-specific data regarding theoperation of equipment such as work machine 200, the owner canknowledgeably discuss with operator 220 the benefits of operating workmachine 200 in Eco-mode, which may help modify future behavior ofoperator 220. When applied across a fleet of machines, coaching targetedto only those operators having demonstrated poor performance can moreefficiently lead to a material change, such as a fleet-wide decrease infuel consumption or machine breakdown. The coaching recommendations maybe pushed from system controller 122 to the application running onoperator device 222 for review and use by operator 220.

Additionally or alternatively, system controller 122 can maintain arepository of operator profiles for the individual that controlequipment in the owner's fleet. Among other potential data, the operatorprofiles at least include operator identification 218 andoperator-specific configuration 219 as received from work machine 200.If the owner desires corrective action for operator 220, systemcontroller 122 receives input from the owner via electronic device 128indicating a desired change to operator-specific configuration 219 toovercome the performance irregularity. For example, noting from thereceived telematics and/or from operator-specific configuration 219 thatoperator 220 is consuming excessive amounts of fuel or otherwise notoperating in Eco-mode, the owner may provide input to electronic device128 to force a change to the configuration used by operator 220 for workmachine 200. Accordingly, system controller 122 generates a modifiedoperator-specific configuration 219 in which the parameters for operatoridentification 218 will include setting up the machine to operate inEco-mode. The updated or modified operator-specific configuration 219will be stored as part of the operator profile for operator 220 incontrol system 120. Additionally or alternatively, in some examplesmodified operator-specific configuration 219 is downloaded to anapplication running in operator device 222 and stored within operatordevice 222 for future use.

Turning back to method 300 of FIG. 3 , in step 310, work machine 200 andparticularly communication device 126, receives wirelessly operatoridentification 218 and modified operator-specific configuration 219 forwork machine 200 from control system 120. When operator 220 next logsinto work machine 200, modified operator-specific configuration 219 isapplied as the set of parameters for operator 220 to operate workmachine 200. This updated data may be transmitted wirelessly in manyways. In some examples, modified operator-specific configuration 219will be installed by machine controller 136 when operator 220 approacheswork machine 200 and uses the application running in operator device 222to establish peer-to-peer connection 224, as discussed above for FIG. 2. In this situation, if the application on operator device 222 does notalready have modified operator-specific configuration 219, operatordevice 222, which may be a cellular phone or a tablet, for example, canaccess operator identification 218 and modified operator-specificconfiguration 219 through its application by way of a cellular dataconnection, Wi-Fi, or similar path. After operator device 222 providesaccepted authentication information and operator identification 218 isregistered as the operator for work machine 200, the application withinoperator device 222 will transmit modified operator-specificconfiguration 219 to communication device 126 in association withoperator identification 218. Modified operator identification 218 willbe set to override any previously stored configurations for operator 220to ensure that operator 220 abides by the owner's settings.Consequently, work machine 200 will be loaded with modifiedoperator-specific configuration 219 when operator 220 next attempts tooperate work machine 200.

In other examples, operator identification 218 and modifiedoperator-specific configuration 219 from the updated user profile foroperator 220 will be downloaded wirelessly from system controller 122via network 124 to communication device 126 in work machine 200. Again,modified operator-specific configuration 219 will be set to override anyprevious parameters and settings associated with operator identification218, and work machine 200 may then store modified operator-specificconfiguration 219 in association with operator identification 218 inmemory for future access with respect to operator 220.

Finally, in step 312, operator 220 performs again the operation of workmachine 200 in executing a work activity. At this time, machinecontroller 136 accesses settings for work machine 200 associated withoperator identification 218 and retrieves modified operator-specificconfiguration 219. Machine controller 136 then generates appropriateelectronic signals for controlling operation of work machine 200consistent with modified operator-specific configuration 219. Forinstance, by operating work machine 200 according to modifiedoperator-specific configuration 219, machine controller 136 forcesoperator 220 to function according to the settings of modifiedoperator-specific configuration 219, which may include requiringoperation of work machine 200 within the Eco-mode to conserve fuel.

In some examples, machine controller 136 in work machine 200 isconfigured to prevent operator 220 from manually changing a mode ofoperation set by operator-specific configuration 219 that was receivedfrom control system 120. In this way, the supervisor or owner of workmachine 200 can ensure that its management of the settings for workmachine 200 remains intact. Thus, once operator 220 has initiallyprovided a configuration for work machine 200, machine controller 136thereafter will not allow a manual change to the machine settingsaffected by modified operator-specific configuration 219 received fromcontrol system 120. Other settings could still be configurable. Forinstance, if the owner has overridden the use of Eco-mode to require itsimplementation, operator 220 could still be able to implement otherchanges to machine settings, such as through control interface 216, toaffect steering and traction capabilities by activating a differentiallock.

Thereafter, when operated by operator 220, work machine 200 will be setup according to modified operator-specific configuration 219. As themachine is used going forward and new telematics are collected foroperator identification 218, modified operator-specific configuration219 may be updated again to conform to whatever standards or desires theowner or fleet manager seeks. A balance may be struck by the owner orfleet manager overriding only a subset of settings for work machine 200while allowing operator 220 the flexibility to select other parametersto customize operation of the machine. This flexibility and the ongoingsensing, measurement, and feedback of data within system 100 as workactivities proceed will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for managingoperator settings for work machines within a fleet of work machines. Acontrol system within a worksite collects operator-specificconfigurations, identifications for the operators, and performancemetrics while the machines execute a work activity. Comparing theperformance metrics or the operator-specific configurations withbenchmarks or historical data for the fleet enables the identificationof performance irregularities for selected operators. As a result, thesystem and method enables an owner or fleet manager to evaluate fleetperformance at an operator level in addition to a machine level.Operator behavior may be improved by providing targeted coachingrecommendations based on specific telematics data collected fromprevious operation of the work machines. As well, utility of the fleetmay be increased because the system may generate modifiedoperator-specific configurations and override machine settings that ledto the performance irregularities, potentially decreasing downtime,repair costs, and fuel consumption.

As noted above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 , an example method for a workmachine 200 includes receiving, by an electronic controller 136 of thework machine, an operator identification 218 associated with an operator220 of the work machine; receiving, by the electronic controller, anoperator-specific configuration 219 for the work machine; executing anoperation using one or more machine settings of the operator-specificconfiguration 219; detecting, by one or more sensors 134 on the workmachine, metrics relating to the performance of operator 220; andcommunicating, over a network connection from the work machine to one ormore servers of a control system 120, at least operator identification218, operator-specific configuration 219, and the metrics. Accordingly,work machine 200 provides operator-specific settings and resultantperformance data that can enable granular analysis and correction.

In examples of the present disclosure, a control system 120 analyzes thereceived information and causes display, on a user interface of anelectronic device 128, of a difference between the performance metricsand a baseline for the operation of work machine 200. The owner or otherentity can evaluate a fleet of machines, identify anomalies caused by anoperator rather than a machine, and adjust performance on anoperator-level. In particular, the owner may provide input affecting achange from an initial operator-specific configuration to a modifiedoperator-specific configuration corresponding to operator identification218 and override previous machine settings for subsequent use byoperator 220. Therefore, the performance of operator 220 may be changed,potentially improving the efficiency of work machine 200 and possiblythe fleet.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may becontemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems andmethods without departing from the spirit and scope of what isdisclosed. Such embodiments should fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by an electroniccontroller of a work machine, an operator identification associated withan operator of the work machine; receiving, by the electroniccontroller, a configuration for the work machine specific to theoperator identification, the configuration comprising one or moremachine settings for an operation of the work machine; executing theoperation of the work machine using the one or more machine settings ofthe configuration based, at least in part, on first electronic commandsprovided to components of the work machine from the electroniccontroller; detecting, by one or more sensors on the work machine,metrics relating to performance of the work machine; communicating, overa network connection from the work machine to one or more servers, atleast the operator identification, the configuration, and the metrics;receiving wirelessly the operator identification and a modifiedconfiguration for the work machine specific to the operatoridentification, the modified configuration differing from theconfiguration due at least in part to the metrics; and executing theoperation of the work machine using one or more modified settings of themodified configuration based, at least in part, on one or more secondelectronic commands provided to the components of the work machine fromthe electronic controller.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:establishing a wireless connection between the work machine and anoperator device; and performing over the wireless connection thereceiving wirelessly the operator identification and the modifiedconfiguration for the work machine specific to the operatoridentification.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the establishing thewireless connection comprises: detecting the operator device within aphysical range of the work machine for a peer-to-peer network;authenticating the operator identification for access to use one or morefeatures of the work machine; and enabling the operation of the workmachine according to the modified configuration.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the receiving the operator identification and the receivingthe configuration for the work machine specific to the operatoridentification comprises retrieving the operator identification and theconfiguration from memory in the work machine associated with theelectronic controller.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprisingstoring, by the electronic controller, the modified configuration in thememory in association with the operator identification.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: causing display, on a user interface of asupervisory computer, of a difference between the metrics and a baselinefor the operation of the work machine; receiving, at the supervisorycomputer, input affecting a change from the configuration to themodified configuration for the operator identification; and causingtransmission of the operator identification and the modifiedconfiguration for subsequent use by the operator on the work machine. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein the change comprises updating an operatorprofile associated with the operator identification stored in the one ormore servers.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the work machine is oneof a fleet of work machines and the baseline comprises data relating topast performance of other work machines in the fleet of work machines.9. The method of claim 7, wherein the transmission comprises sending theoperator identification and the modified configuration from the one ormore servers to an application on an operator device.
 10. A system,comprising: a work machine including one or more sensors and acontroller, the one or more sensors configured to detect performancecharacteristics of the work machine during a first instance of a workactivity executed by an operator, the controller configured to cause theperformance characteristics and an initial operator-specificconfiguration for the work machine to be transmitted across a wirelessnetwork, the initial operator-specific configuration associated with anidentification of the operator; one or more servers coupled to the workmachine through the wireless network, the one or more servers comprisingone or more processors and one or more computer-readable media, the oneor more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructionsthat, when executed, cause the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: receiving the performance characteristics and theinitial operator-specific configuration from the work machine; accessingbenchmark data associated with at least one of the performancecharacteristics and the initial operator-specific configuration; andgenerating a new operator-specific configuration for the work machinebased, at least in part, on the benchmark data, wherein the controllerof the work machine is further configured to override the initialoperator-specific configuration with the new operator-specificconfiguration for a second instance of the work activity executed by theoperator.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the operations furthercomprise: causing the new operator-specific configuration to be sent toa device associated with the identification for communication with thework machine.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller of thework machine is further configured to: establish a connection with thedevice over a peer-to-peer network based on proximity of the device tothe work machine; and receive the new operator-specific configurationfrom the device over the peer-to-peer network.
 13. The system of claim11, further comprising: a supervisory computer coupled to the one ormore servers, the supervisory computer configured to provide the one ormore servers with one or more parameters for generating the newoperator-specific configuration.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein thework machine is one of a fleet of work machines and the benchmark datacomprises metrics relating to past performance of other machines in thefleet of work machines.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein generatingthe new operator-specific configuration comprises updating an operatorprofile associated with the identification stored in the one or moreservers.
 16. A machine, comprising: an engine; a work tool; one or moresensors configured to detect performance characteristics of the machineduring execution of a work activity; an electronic controller configuredto: receive an operator identification associated with an operator ofthe machine; receive initial settings for the machine specific to theoperator identification; cause a first execution of the work activity bythe machine using the initial settings; cause the operatoridentification, the initial settings, and the performancecharacteristics to be sent to one or more servers over a networkconnection; receive modified settings for the machine specific to theoperator identification, the modified settings differing from theinitial settings due at least in part to the performance characteristicsdetected by the one or more sensors; and cause a second execution of thework activity using the modified settings.
 17. The machine of claim 16,wherein the electronic controller is further configured to: establish aconnection with an operator device over a peer-to-peer network based onproximity of a user device to the machine, wherein the modified settingsare received from the operator device over the peer-to-peer network. 18.The machine of claim 17, wherein the electronic controller is furtherconfigured to: detect the operator device within a physical range of themachine for the peer-to-peer network; authenticate the operatoridentification for access to use one or more features of the machine;and enable the operation of the machine according to the modifiedsettings.
 19. The machine of claim 16, wherein the electronic controllerof the machine is further configured to: store the initial settingsassociated with the operator identification in memory; and override theinitial settings with the modified settings.
 20. The machine of claim16, wherein the modified settings alter the performance characteristicsof the machine for the second execution of the work activity.